As the temperature drops, UAE families head out to the desert, the mountains and the beach for overnight trips. Whether you're going to Al Qudra, Fossil Rock, Liwa, Hatta or Jebel Jais, a good checklist is the difference between a great night under the stars and a long, uncomfortable one.
Here's everything to pack for your first camping trip of the season.
1. Sleeping
- Tent, or a car set up for sleeping
- Car Air Mattress (130 AED): turns your SUV's back seat into a comfortable bed
- Pillows and a warm blanket (desert nights get cold later in the season)
- An extra layer or hoodie for everyone
Sleeping in your car? Read our full guide to using a car air mattress on UAE road trips.
2. Car and driving
- Full tank of fuel, and know where the last petrol station is
- Tyre pressure gauge. If you're driving on sand, research safe tyre pressures for your vehicle and don't go off-road alone
- Portable Electric Air Pump (119 AED) or Portable Air Compressor Pump (68 AED) to re-inflate tyres and blow up mattresses
- Recovery kit: tow rope, shovel and traction boards
- Phone charger and power bank
3. Food and drink
- More water than you think you need
- Cool box with ice packs
- Portable stove or grill, fuel and a lighter
- Easy food: marinated meat, bread, fruit, dates and snacks
- Karak ingredients or a flask, because it's not a UAE camping trip without it
- Rubbish bags. Leave the site cleaner than you found it.
4. Comfort and atmosphere
- Folding chairs and a ground mat
- Lanterns or string lights
- Pulse 5 Wireless Speaker with RGB Lighting (129 AED) for music around the fire
- Oud Oil Bakhoor (119 AED): rechargeable and charcoal-free, to keep the car and tent smelling fresh
5. Safety
- First aid kit
- Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back
- Check the weather forecast before you leave
- Travel with at least one other car if you're heading into deep sand
- Fire extinguisher or sand to put out your fire completely
Printable quick checklist
Mattress ✓ Pillows and blankets ✓ Fuel ✓ Air pump ✓ Recovery kit ✓ Water ✓ Cool box ✓ Stove ✓ Chairs ✓ Lights ✓ Speaker ✓ First aid ✓ Rubbish bags ✓
Get everything for your trip at Sayef Store, with delivery across the UAE.